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Sallekhana by Ācārya Sāntisågar On 7th July, the Muniji observed fast and silence. The next day, the devotees suggested that he should give up his silence at least when the scriptures were being read. He told them that they should leave him free as he decided on the steps to be taken by him only after full deliberation.
In the meanwhile, two eminent doctors from Sholapur examined the eyes of the Muniji and came to the conclusion that he was developing cataract, that it might take 7 to 8 years to become mature for operation and that the eyes had become weak due to insufficiency of blood supply. So the Ācārya felt that he was not to get the eye-sight and that the only course left open to him was to prepare to quit the body by Sallekhana. He accordingly took the vow of Niyama Sallekhana according to which food is to be avoided gradually as per decision. So on 10-8-1955, he even stopped taking the two morsels of food which he was taking and started taking only almond water. On 14-8-1955, he summoned all those who were there near him at 9 A. M. and announced his decision that Niyama Sallekhanā would last only for one week. On that day, he took only almond water. Then he decided not to take anything except water thereafter. On 26-8-1955, he asked for pardon from all those who had gathered there and told them that he had forgiven everybody. There was an atmosphere of awe and reverence all around. The people felt the spiritual heights attained by the Ācārya and that he was the very embodiment of perfection. From 28-8-1955, he even gave up water and became deeply engrossed in meditation and only attended the worship (pūjā) in the temple. Devotees from all places in the country started gathering at Kunthalagiri.
On 8-9--1955, it was the 25th day of complete fasting. The Acārya gave a religious discourse for 22 minutes to the assembly and it was recorded. He said : “The eleven Angas and fourteen old scriptures were an ocean of philosophy. There are no srutakevalis to expound the same. I am too insignificant to do it. Those who adopt the way of life preached by the Jina would attain happiness. Even he who repeats the
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